The Health Activation Process: An autonomy-supportive coaching model for facilitating sustainable active living.
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| Title: | The Health Activation Process: An autonomy-supportive coaching model for facilitating sustainable active living. |
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| Authors: | Spence, Gordon B. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Coaching Psychology Review. Spring2025, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p6-22. 17p. |
| Subjects: | Physical activity, Health promotion, Sports sciences, Coaching (Athletics), Health coaches, Goal (Psychology), Motivation (Psychology) |
| Abstract: | Physical activity (PA) is unquestioningly beneficial to human health. Curiously, despite knowing about its numerous benefits, many people do not move in sufficient enough quantities to maintain an adequate state of health. This paper is a response to that paradox, presenting a transtheoretical framework that can be applied in health coaching contexts to help people think differently about PA and, more importantly, to feel better about it. Drawing on recent developments in the related fields of exercise science and health promotion, a new four-stage model is outlined – the Health Activation Process (HAP) – which seeks to motivate PA behaviour change by tapping the natural inclinations humans have for moving their bodies in space. It proposes that sustained active living is best supported by giving people the opportunity to 'do some headwork before they do the legwork', using a process that makes enjoyment and satisfaction the basis of PA decision-making and autonomous goal striving, supported by coaching. Whilst HAP is theoretically and empirically informed, its bona fides as an intervention are yet to be established. As such, the paper concludes with brief discussion of future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Physical activity (PA) is unquestioningly beneficial to human health. Curiously, despite knowing about its numerous benefits, many people do not move in sufficient enough quantities to maintain an adequate state of health. This paper is a response to that paradox, presenting a transtheoretical framework that can be applied in health coaching contexts to help people think differently about PA and, more importantly, to feel better about it. Drawing on recent developments in the related fields of exercise science and health promotion, a new four-stage model is outlined – the Health Activation Process (HAP) – which seeks to motivate PA behaviour change by tapping the natural inclinations humans have for moving their bodies in space. It proposes that sustained active living is best supported by giving people the opportunity to 'do some headwork before they do the legwork', using a process that makes enjoyment and satisfaction the basis of PA decision-making and autonomous goal striving, supported by coaching. Whilst HAP is theoretically and empirically informed, its bona fides as an intervention are yet to be established. As such, the paper concludes with brief discussion of future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 17502764 |
| DOI: | 10.53841/bpsicpr.2025.20.1.6 |
